Sunday, November 01, 2009
Winter in the Keys Adventure Begins at the AGLCA Fall Rendezvous!
October 25 - October 28, 2009
Our 2009-2010 Keys journey and adventure really begins at the Fall Rendezvous for Great Loopers at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Alabama. We have attended this event each fall since 2004, the first time a Rendezvous was held at Wheeler Lodge. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reunite with some of our favorite friends, glean information from the experts, and experience the excitement of current Loopers. Because the event is held so close to home, Bob and I have always volunteered our help to be sure the 200-plus attendees have a good time. This year was no exception. The Rendezvous, which had been fully booked with a long waiting list, was a great success. By the last evening we were exhausted and looking forward to getting to bed early, with plans of heading out at first light the next morning for the initial leg of our Keys adventure. My goodness, how a single moment can alter your plans.
A highlight of the banquet on the last night of every Rendezvous is the naming of the “Skipper Bob Award” recipient. Skipper Bob was a giant among the cruising community for his practical, accurate guidebooks that carry boaters safely around the Great Loop. He was also a kind, generous, colorful man who was willing to help boaters any time of day or night. His philosophy was that you weren't always able to return the favors of those who had helped you, but you could pass the kindness forward. In other words, “make it better for the next guy.” Skipper Bob died in 2007, and the entire boating community has felt his loss. Sooooo as usual, there were to be two Skipper Bob awards announced at this Rendezvous, one for Summer and one for Fall.
Our dear friends Bob and Ann Levine, who had initiated this award, announced that Fern Hopper, who “runs the might Mississippi River” and has guided thousands of boaters safely through the treacherous areas of “her” river was the recipient of the Summer Skipper Bob award. What an excellent choice – no one is more deserving. Everybody in the room stood and cheered! Then Bob Levine said that a special guest would present the Fall Skipper Bob award. We looked expectantly back at the door and saw a tall, attractive, young woman making her way through the crowd. Then we saw her face. It was Susan Stagg Cooper, of all people.
I don’t remember much after that. Bob and I were floored, honored, thrilled, and totally surprised. I’m not sure why we should be honored for following our boating passion, loving our Looper friends, and helping with the Rendezvous, but I can tell you that it is one of the highest honors either of us can imagine. The fact that the Levines had contacted both Scott and Susan to see if they could be there for the event was over the top. Scott tried hard to come, even tried to use SKYPE to make a virtual appearance, but there was simply no way. That technology wasn’t available, and he couldn’t make the long drive from Tallahassee. If both Scott and the Cowhigs had been able to show up as they had hoped, I wouldn’t be writing this. I would still be in the hospital from shock. But what a thrill that Susan could be there! She spent the night on the boat with us; I was too excited to sleep much. The next morning she headed back to Atlanta, while we cast off – a few hours later than planned – to start the long trek down to the Gulf and the Florida Keys. We are still humbled and shocked, and genuinely grateful. Thank you, thank you, Bob and Ann Levine for your generous spirit and friendship. We also are grateful to Elaine Reib, Skipper Bob’s wife, who supports this award in his honor.
Our 2009-2010 Keys journey and adventure really begins at the Fall Rendezvous for Great Loopers at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Alabama. We have attended this event each fall since 2004, the first time a Rendezvous was held at Wheeler Lodge. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reunite with some of our favorite friends, glean information from the experts, and experience the excitement of current Loopers. Because the event is held so close to home, Bob and I have always volunteered our help to be sure the 200-plus attendees have a good time. This year was no exception. The Rendezvous, which had been fully booked with a long waiting list, was a great success. By the last evening we were exhausted and looking forward to getting to bed early, with plans of heading out at first light the next morning for the initial leg of our Keys adventure. My goodness, how a single moment can alter your plans.
A highlight of the banquet on the last night of every Rendezvous is the naming of the “Skipper Bob Award” recipient. Skipper Bob was a giant among the cruising community for his practical, accurate guidebooks that carry boaters safely around the Great Loop. He was also a kind, generous, colorful man who was willing to help boaters any time of day or night. His philosophy was that you weren't always able to return the favors of those who had helped you, but you could pass the kindness forward. In other words, “make it better for the next guy.” Skipper Bob died in 2007, and the entire boating community has felt his loss. Sooooo as usual, there were to be two Skipper Bob awards announced at this Rendezvous, one for Summer and one for Fall.
Our dear friends Bob and Ann Levine, who had initiated this award, announced that Fern Hopper, who “runs the might Mississippi River” and has guided thousands of boaters safely through the treacherous areas of “her” river was the recipient of the Summer Skipper Bob award. What an excellent choice – no one is more deserving. Everybody in the room stood and cheered! Then Bob Levine said that a special guest would present the Fall Skipper Bob award. We looked expectantly back at the door and saw a tall, attractive, young woman making her way through the crowd. Then we saw her face. It was Susan Stagg Cooper, of all people.
I don’t remember much after that. Bob and I were floored, honored, thrilled, and totally surprised. I’m not sure why we should be honored for following our boating passion, loving our Looper friends, and helping with the Rendezvous, but I can tell you that it is one of the highest honors either of us can imagine. The fact that the Levines had contacted both Scott and Susan to see if they could be there for the event was over the top. Scott tried hard to come, even tried to use SKYPE to make a virtual appearance, but there was simply no way. That technology wasn’t available, and he couldn’t make the long drive from Tallahassee. If both Scott and the Cowhigs had been able to show up as they had hoped, I wouldn’t be writing this. I would still be in the hospital from shock. But what a thrill that Susan could be there! She spent the night on the boat with us; I was too excited to sleep much. The next morning she headed back to Atlanta, while we cast off – a few hours later than planned – to start the long trek down to the Gulf and the Florida Keys. We are still humbled and shocked, and genuinely grateful. Thank you, thank you, Bob and Ann Levine for your generous spirit and friendship. We also are grateful to Elaine Reib, Skipper Bob’s wife, who supports this award in his honor.
